US8687217B2 - Wireless network printing system and method configured for selectively changing between an access point communication mode and a direct communication mode - Google Patents

Wireless network printing system and method configured for selectively changing between an access point communication mode and a direct communication mode Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US8687217B2
US8687217B2 US12/038,899 US3889908A US8687217B2 US 8687217 B2 US8687217 B2 US 8687217B2 US 3889908 A US3889908 A US 3889908A US 8687217 B2 US8687217 B2 US 8687217B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
wireless terminal
access point
infrastructure
data
hoc
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related, expires
Application number
US12/038,899
Other versions
US20080225331A1 (en
Inventor
Soo Young Jung
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
Original Assignee
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Samsung Electronics Co Ltd filed Critical Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Assigned to SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. reassignment SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: JUNG, SOO YOUNG
Publication of US20080225331A1 publication Critical patent/US20080225331A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US8687217B2 publication Critical patent/US8687217B2/en
Assigned to S-PRINTING SOLUTION CO., LTD. reassignment S-PRINTING SOLUTION CO., LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD
Assigned to HP PRINTING KOREA CO., LTD. reassignment HP PRINTING KOREA CO., LTD. CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: S-PRINTING SOLUTION CO., LTD.
Assigned to HP PRINTING KOREA CO., LTD. reassignment HP PRINTING KOREA CO., LTD. CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE DOCUMENTATION EVIDENCING THE CHANGE OF NAME PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 047370 FRAME 0405. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE CHANGE OF NAME. Assignors: S-PRINTING SOLUTION CO., LTD.
Assigned to HP PRINTING KOREA CO., LTD. reassignment HP PRINTING KOREA CO., LTD. CHANGE OF LEGAL ENTITY EFFECTIVE AUG. 31, 2018 Assignors: HP PRINTING KOREA CO., LTD.
Assigned to HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P. reassignment HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P. CONFIRMATORY ASSIGNMENT EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 1, 2018 Assignors: HP PRINTING KOREA CO., LTD.
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/02—Details
    • H04L12/12—Arrangements for remote connection or disconnection of substations or of equipment thereof
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1202—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to achieve a particular effect
    • G06F3/1203—Improving or facilitating administration, e.g. print management
    • G06F3/1209—Improving or facilitating administration, e.g. print management resulting in adapted or bridged legacy communication protocols, e.g. emulation, protocol extension
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1223—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to use a particular technique
    • G06F3/1236—Connection management
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1278—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to adopt a particular infrastructure
    • G06F3/1292—Mobile client, e.g. wireless printing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/66—Arrangements for connecting between networks having differing types of switching systems, e.g. gateways
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor

Definitions

  • aspects of the present invention relate to a wireless network printing system and method. More particularly, aspects of the present invention relate to a wireless network printing system, in which a wireless terminal connected to an ad-hoc network, and located outside of an access point (referred to hereinafter as an AP) of an infrastructure network, can send data to an image forming device connected to the infrastructure network.
  • an AP access point
  • a wireless infrastructure local area network Such an infrastructure network includes an access point (AP) to connect a wired LAN and a wireless LAN.
  • AP access point
  • a user can print desired data on an image forming device equipped with a wireless network card, and connected to the infrastructure network to a sending device, through the AP.
  • a wireless terminal can directly (not via an AP) print desired data on an image forming device equipped with a wireless network card, and connected to the ad-hoc network.
  • Wireless network cards can connect to both the infrastructure network and the ad-hoc network. Therefore, a user can specify and use either the infrastructure network or the ad-hoc network.
  • the infrastructure network provides a LAN service to a wireless terminal, such as, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or notebook computer equipped with a wireless LAN card, using an AP that corresponds to a hub of a wired LAN.
  • a wireless terminal such as, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or notebook computer equipped with a wireless LAN card
  • the communication modes of the wireless LAN are classified into an infrastructure mode and an ad-hoc mode.
  • In the infrastructure mode indirect communication is performed using the wireless LAN card, through the AP, and in the ad-hoc mode direct communication is performed using the wireless LAN card. Therefore, in wireless network printing systems, printing can be performed in both modes.
  • a specific wireless terminal transmits a request to send (RTS) frame to an AP, to ask for permission to commence communication.
  • the AP transmits a clear to send (CTS) frame to permit the communication with the specific wireless terminal, and inhibits communications of wireless terminals other than the specific wireless terminal.
  • the specific wireless terminal transmits data packets (DATA) to the AP, and the other wireless terminals wait for an acknowledgement (ACK) frame.
  • DATA data packets
  • ACK acknowledgement
  • the AP broadcasts the ACK frame upon completion of the data transmission, and a channel contention then occurs again among the wireless terminals. That is, the communication is made in the order of RTS ⁇ CTS ⁇ DATA ⁇ ACK.
  • a conventional wireless network printing system supports the IEEE 802.11b standard.
  • a wireless terminal can perform wireless network printing, within an AP, in the infrastructure mode. The nearer the wireless terminal is to the AP, the higher the data rate is. Also, when the wireless terminal is outside of the AP, it cannot perform wireless network printing. In other words, there is a problem that the wireless network printing can be performed in only a limited area, i.e., within the AP.
  • a wireless terminal located outside of the AP, can send print data to an image forming device on an infrastructure network including the AP, using a different wireless terminal located within the AP, to relay the print data.
  • the direct communication mode may be performed over an ad-hoc network
  • the access point communication mode may be performed over an infrastructure network.
  • the ad-hoc mode two wireless terminals directly communicate over an ad-hoc wireless network
  • a wireless terminal connects to a structural network, through an access point of the structural network.
  • the first wireless terminal may change from the access point communication mode, to the direct communication mode, in response to a request to send print data, from the second wireless terminal. Once the print data is sent, the first wireless terminal changes from the direct communication mode, to the access point communication mode, to transmit the received print data to the image forming device, via the access point.
  • the first wireless terminal may determine whether data received from the second wireless terminal is the print data, and change from the direct communication mode, to the access point communication mode, if the received data is the print data.
  • the first wireless terminal may stop communication based on the direct communication mode, and then change to the access point communication mode.
  • the second wireless terminal may receive an ad-hoc Clear To Send (CTS) frame from the first wireless terminal, and wait for a period of time defined in the ad-hoc CTS frame.
  • CTS Clear To Send
  • the first wireless terminal may transmit the print data to the image forming device, via the access point, by: transmitting an infrastructure Request To Send (RTS) frame, and an ad-hoc CTS frame, to the access point; receiving an infrastructure CTS frame from the access point; transmitting an infrastructure data frame, which is the print data, to the access point; and receiving an infrastructure acknowledge (ACK) frame from the access point.
  • RTS infrastructure Request To Send
  • ACK infrastructure acknowledge
  • the second wireless terminal may transmit the print data to the first wireless terminal by: transmitting an ad-hoc RTS frame to the first wireless terminal; receiving an infrastructure CTS frame, and an ad-hoc CTS frame, from the first wireless terminal; transmitting an ad-hoc data frame, which is the print data, to the first wireless terminal; and receiving an infrastructure ACK frame, and an ad-hoc ACK frame, from the first wireless terminal.
  • a wireless network printing system having a first wireless terminal, which selectively changes from an ad-hoc mode, where communication is directly performed between wireless terminals over an ad-hoc network, and an infrastructure mode, where communication is performed over an infrastructure network, via an access point, the system comprising: a second wireless terminal located outside of a coverage area of the access point, to connect with the first wireless terminal, via the ad-hoc mode; and an image forming device connected to the network, via the infrastructure mode.
  • the first wireless terminal changes from the infrastructure mode, to the ad-hoc mode, in response to a request to send print data from the second wireless terminal.
  • the second terminal changes from the ad-hoc mode, to the infrastructure mode, to transmit the received print data to the image forming device, via the access point.
  • the first wireless terminal may determine whether data received from the second wireless terminal is the print data, and change from the ad-hoc mode, to the infrastructure mode, if the received data is the print data.
  • the second wireless terminal may receive an ad-hoc CTS frame from the first wireless terminal, and wait for a period of time defined in the ad-hoc CTS frame.
  • the first wireless terminal may transmit the print data to the image forming device, via the access point, by: transmitting an infrastructure RTS frame, and an ad-hoc CTS frame, to the access point; receiving an infrastructure CTS frame from the access point; transmitting an infrastructure data frame, which is the print data, to the access point; and receiving an infrastructure ACK frame from the access point.
  • the second wireless terminal may transmit the print data to the first wireless terminal by: transmitting an ad-hoc RTS frame, to the first wireless terminal; receiving an infrastructure CTS frame, and an ad-hoc CTS frame, from the first wireless terminal; transmitting an ad-hoc data frame, which is the print data, to the first wireless terminal; and receiving an infrastructure ACK frame, and an ad-hoc ACK frame, from the first wireless terminal.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a wireless network printing system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the wireless network printing system of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an exemplary method of communication among a first wireless terminal STA_A, a second wireless terminal STA_B, and an AP, of FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the first wireless terminal STA_A in FIG. 2 transmitting print data to an image forming device, through the AP, in an infrastructure mode, according to an aspect of the invention
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the second wireless terminal STA_B, when the first wireless terminal STA_A in FIG. 2 transmits the print data to the image forming device, through the AP, in the infrastructure mode, according to an aspect of the invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the second wireless terminal STA_B of FIG. 2 , transmitting print data to the first wireless terminal STA_A, in an ad-hoc mode, according to an aspect of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a wireless network printing system 100 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the wireless network printing system 100 comprises a first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A), second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B), and third wireless terminal 12 (STA_D), which communicate in an ad-hoc mode, (i.e. communicate over an ad-hoc network).
  • the respective wireless terminals 10 , 11 , and 12 communicate directly, i.e., not via a separate central management unit.
  • the wireless network printing system 100 further comprises an image forming device 20 , an access point (AP) 21 , and a fourth wireless terminal 22 (STA_C), which communicate in an infrastructure mode, (i.e. communicate over an infrastructure network).
  • AP access point
  • STA_C fourth wireless terminal 22
  • the first wireless terminal 10 also communicates in the infrastructure mode.
  • the AP 21 acts to connect each of the wireless terminals 10 , 20 , and 22 with a communication infrastructure (infrastructure network), such that each of the wireless terminals 10 , 20 , and 22 communicate indirectly, via the AP 21 , over the infrastructure network.
  • the AP 21 can be, for example, a wireless hotspot.
  • the components of the infrastructure network should be in place before communication commences over the infrastructure network.
  • the access point of the infrastructure network advantageously provides a wider wireless coverage, and more stable link characteristics, than the ad-hoc network.
  • the communication among the wireless terminals is made within only the coverage area of the AP.
  • the infrastructure network has a disadvantage, in that wireless terminals located beyond the AP coverage area cannot perform printing using the image forming device. In other words, there is a problem that wireless network printing can be performed in only a limited area: the AP coverage area.
  • a wireless node such as the first wireless terminal 10 of FIG. 1 , which can selectively switch between the infrastructure mode, and the ad-hoc mode, to relay print data. Therefore, a wireless terminal located beyond the AP coverage area can send print data to the image forming device 20 .
  • a method of operating the first wireless terminal 10 will hereinafter be described, with reference to FIG. 2 .
  • an image forming device driver is installed in the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A), which then connects the first wireless terminal 10 with the image forming device 20 , while in the infrastructure mode.
  • a driver need not be used in all aspects, or can be pre-installed prior to operation S 100 .
  • the first wireless terminal 10 randomly switches between the ad-hoc mode and the infrastructure mode.
  • the first wireless terminal 10 determines whether there is an ad-hoc connection request from the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B), or the third wireless terminal 12 (STA_D), connected to an ad-hoc wireless network in the ad-hoc mode. If there is no ad-hoc connection request, the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) returns to operation S 101 . In operation S 103 , if there is an ad-hoc connection request, the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A), changes from the infrastructure mode, to the ad-hoc mode, to connect with the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B), or third wireless terminal 12 (STA_D), over the ad-hoc network formed therebetween.
  • the first wireless terminal 10 receives wireless data from the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B), or third wireless terminal 12 (STA_D).
  • the first wireless terminal 10 analyzes the received wireless data, to determine whether the received wireless data is print data. If the received wireless data is not print data, the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) returns to operation S 104 . Conversely, if the received wireless data is print data, the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) changes from the ad-hoc mode, to the infrastructure mode, in operation S 106 .
  • FIG. 3 illustrates the order of communication among the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A), the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B), and the AP 20 , of FIG. 2
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a process wherein first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) of FIG. 2 , transmits the print data to the image forming device 20 , through the AP 20 , while in the infrastructure mode.
  • the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) checks the state of the wireless medium, while gradually decrementing the random backoff.
  • the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) determines whether the random backoff has been decremented to “0”, and whether the wireless medium is in the idle state.
  • the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) stops the random backoff, and then returns to operation S 204 .
  • the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) accesses a channel for communication with the AP 21 .
  • operations S 202 , S 203 , S 204 , and S 211 need not be performed in all aspects of the invention.
  • the first wireless terminal 10 transmits an infrastructure RTS frame RTS_i, and an ad-hoc CTS frame CTS_a, to the AP 21
  • the first wireless terminal 10 receives an infrastructure CTS frame CTS_i transmitted from the AP 21
  • the first wireless terminal 10 transmits an infrastructure data frame DATA_i, which is print data, to the AP 21 .
  • the first wireless terminal 10 receives an ACK frame ACK_i transmitted from the AP 21 .
  • the first wireless terminal 10 terminates the print data transmission operation.
  • the print data transmitted from the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) is transferred to the image forming device 20 , via the AP 21 .
  • This communication procedure is carried out in the order of RTS_i+CTS_a ⁇ CTS_i ⁇ DATA_i ⁇ ACK_i, which satisfies the communication order for Request To Send (RTS) and Clear To Send (CTS) frames, as defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates the operation of the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B), when the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) transmits the print data (data frame DATA_i) in the infrastructure mode, to the image forming device 20 , through the AP 21 .
  • the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) determines whether the CTS_a frame, transmitted from the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) to the AP 21 , has been received. If the CTS_a frame has not been received, the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) returns to operation S 300 .
  • the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) waits for a period of time indicated by the CTS_a frame. Accordingly, the second terminal 11 detects that the first terminal 10 has sent the CTS_a frame according to the method of FIG. 4 for purposes of sending print data to an image forming device 20 .
  • the second wireless terminal 11 determines whether a wireless medium is in an idle state. If the wireless medium is not in the idle state, the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) returns to operation S 400 . If the wireless medium is in the idle state, the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) generates a random backoff, in operation S 402 .
  • the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) checks the state of the wireless medium, while gradually decrementing the random backoff.
  • the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) determines whether the random backoff has been decremented to “0”, and whether the wireless medium is in the idle state.
  • the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) stops the random backoff, and then returns to operation S 404 . If the random backoff is “0”, and the wireless medium is in the idle state, the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) accesses a channel for communication with the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A), in operation S 405 .
  • operations S 402 , S 403 , S 404 , and S 412 need not be performed in all aspects of the invention.
  • the second wireless terminal 11 transmits an ad-hoc RTS frame RTS_a to the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A).
  • the second wireless terminal 11 receives an infrastructure CTS frame CTS_i, and an ad-hoc CTS frame CTS_a, from the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A).
  • the second wireless terminal 11 Upon receiving the infrastructure CTS frame CTS_i, and the ad-hoc CTS frame CTS_a, from the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A), the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) transmits an ad-hoc data frame DATA_a, which is print data, to the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A), in operation S 409 .
  • the second wireless terminal 11 receives an infrastructure ACK frame ACK_i, and an ad-hoc ACK frame ACK_a, from the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A).
  • the second wireless terminal 11 Upon receiving the infrastructure ACK frame ACK_i, and the ad-hoc ACK frame ACK_a, from the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A), the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) terminates the print data transmission operation. As a result, the transmission of the print data (data frame DATA_a) from the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B), to the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A), is completed.
  • This communication procedure is carried out in the order of RTS_a ⁇ CTS_i+CTS_a ⁇ DATA_a ⁇ ACK_i+ACK_a, which satisfies the communication order of Request To Send (RTS) and Clear To Send (CTS) frames, as defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard.
  • a wireless terminal located outside of an AP coverage area can use a wireless terminal located within the coverage area of the AP 21 , to relay the print data to an image forming device connected to the AP.
  • the print data can thereby be printed using the image forming device.
  • aspects of the invention can be implemented as software and/or firmware encoded in computer readable media, to be implemented by one or more processors and/or computers. Moreover, while described in terms of print data, it is understood that aspects of the invention can be applied to other types of data beyond print data sent to an image forming apparatus.
  • a first wireless terminal affiliated with an ad-hoc network when a first wireless terminal affiliated with an ad-hoc network, where inter-device communication is directly performed between devices, sends print data to an image forming device affiliated with an infrastructure network, where inter-device communication is indirectly performed, via an access point.
  • the first wireless terminal established an ad-hoc network with a wireless terminal affiliated the infrastructure network, and uses the second wireless terminal to relay the print data to the image forming device. Therefore, even a wireless terminal, located beyond the access point coverage area of the infrastructure network, can print data using an image forming device on the infrastructure network.

Abstract

A wireless network printing system and method, the system including: a first wireless terminal to selectively connect to an ad-hoc network, where inter-device communication is directly performed between devices, and an infrastructure network, where inter-device communication is indirectly performed, via an access point (AP); a second wireless terminal to transmit data to the first wireless terminal, via the ad-hoc network; and an image forming device affiliated with the infrastructure network, to print the data, after the data has been relayed through the first wireless terminal.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 2007-24728, filed Mar. 13, 2007, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
Aspects of the present invention relate to a wireless network printing system and method. More particularly, aspects of the present invention relate to a wireless network printing system, in which a wireless terminal connected to an ad-hoc network, and located outside of an access point (referred to hereinafter as an AP) of an infrastructure network, can send data to an image forming device connected to the infrastructure network.
2. Description of the Related Art
Presently, the most commonly used wireless network printing environment is provided by a wireless infrastructure local area network (LAN). Such an infrastructure network includes an access point (AP) to connect a wired LAN and a wireless LAN. A user can print desired data on an image forming device equipped with a wireless network card, and connected to the infrastructure network to a sending device, through the AP.
Another wireless network printing environment is provided by a wireless ad-hoc LAN. In such an ad-hoc network, a wireless terminal can directly (not via an AP) print desired data on an image forming device equipped with a wireless network card, and connected to the ad-hoc network.
Wireless network cards can connect to both the infrastructure network and the ad-hoc network. Therefore, a user can specify and use either the infrastructure network or the ad-hoc network.
The infrastructure network provides a LAN service to a wireless terminal, such as, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or notebook computer equipped with a wireless LAN card, using an AP that corresponds to a hub of a wired LAN. The communication modes of the wireless LAN are classified into an infrastructure mode and an ad-hoc mode. In the infrastructure mode, indirect communication is performed using the wireless LAN card, through the AP, and in the ad-hoc mode direct communication is performed using the wireless LAN card. Therefore, in wireless network printing systems, printing can be performed in both modes.
Generally, the communication of Request To Send (RTS) and Clear To Send (CTS) frames, as defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard, are made in the following order. First, a specific wireless terminal transmits a request to send (RTS) frame to an AP, to ask for permission to commence communication. The AP transmits a clear to send (CTS) frame to permit the communication with the specific wireless terminal, and inhibits communications of wireless terminals other than the specific wireless terminal. The specific wireless terminal transmits data packets (DATA) to the AP, and the other wireless terminals wait for an acknowledgement (ACK) frame. The AP broadcasts the ACK frame upon completion of the data transmission, and a channel contention then occurs again among the wireless terminals. That is, the communication is made in the order of RTS→CTS→DATA→ACK.
A conventional wireless network printing system supports the IEEE 802.11b standard. In this standard, a wireless terminal can perform wireless network printing, within an AP, in the infrastructure mode. The nearer the wireless terminal is to the AP, the higher the data rate is. Also, when the wireless terminal is outside of the AP, it cannot perform wireless network printing. In other words, there is a problem that the wireless network printing can be performed in only a limited area, i.e., within the AP.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a wireless network printing system where a wireless terminal, located outside of the AP, can send print data to an image forming device on an infrastructure network including the AP, using a different wireless terminal located within the AP, to relay the print data.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a wireless network printing system comprising: an infrastructure network having an access point; a first wireless terminal to selectively change between a direct communication mode, where communication is directly performed between wireless terminals, and an access point communication mode, where communication is performed over a network, via an access point; a second wireless terminal located outside of the access point, to connect with the first wireless terminal, via the direct communication mode; and an image forming device connected to the infrastructure network, via the access point communication mode, The first wireless terminal changes from the direct communication mode, to the access point communication mode, to transmit print data, provided from the second wireless terminal, to the image forming device, via the access point.
According to various embodiments, the direct communication mode may be performed over an ad-hoc network, and the access point communication mode may be performed over an infrastructure network. In the ad-hoc mode, two wireless terminals directly communicate over an ad-hoc wireless network, and in the infrastructure mode a wireless terminal connects to a structural network, through an access point of the structural network.
According to various embodiments, the first wireless terminal may change from the access point communication mode, to the direct communication mode, in response to a request to send print data, from the second wireless terminal. Once the print data is sent, the first wireless terminal changes from the direct communication mode, to the access point communication mode, to transmit the received print data to the image forming device, via the access point.
According to various embodiments, the first wireless terminal may determine whether data received from the second wireless terminal is the print data, and change from the direct communication mode, to the access point communication mode, if the received data is the print data.
According to various embodiments, the first wireless terminal may stop communication based on the direct communication mode, and then change to the access point communication mode.
According to various embodiments, when the first wireless terminal transmits the print data to the access point, the second wireless terminal may receive an ad-hoc Clear To Send (CTS) frame from the first wireless terminal, and wait for a period of time defined in the ad-hoc CTS frame.
According to some embodiments, the first wireless terminal may transmit the print data to the image forming device, via the access point, by: transmitting an infrastructure Request To Send (RTS) frame, and an ad-hoc CTS frame, to the access point; receiving an infrastructure CTS frame from the access point; transmitting an infrastructure data frame, which is the print data, to the access point; and receiving an infrastructure acknowledge (ACK) frame from the access point.
According to various embodiments, the second wireless terminal may transmit the print data to the first wireless terminal by: transmitting an ad-hoc RTS frame to the first wireless terminal; receiving an infrastructure CTS frame, and an ad-hoc CTS frame, from the first wireless terminal; transmitting an ad-hoc data frame, which is the print data, to the first wireless terminal; and receiving an infrastructure ACK frame, and an ad-hoc ACK frame, from the first wireless terminal.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a wireless network printing system having a first wireless terminal, which selectively changes from an ad-hoc mode, where communication is directly performed between wireless terminals over an ad-hoc network, and an infrastructure mode, where communication is performed over an infrastructure network, via an access point, the system comprising: a second wireless terminal located outside of a coverage area of the access point, to connect with the first wireless terminal, via the ad-hoc mode; and an image forming device connected to the network, via the infrastructure mode. The first wireless terminal changes from the infrastructure mode, to the ad-hoc mode, in response to a request to send print data from the second wireless terminal. Once the print data is sent, the second terminal changes from the ad-hoc mode, to the infrastructure mode, to transmit the received print data to the image forming device, via the access point.
According to various embodiments, the first wireless terminal may determine whether data received from the second wireless terminal is the print data, and change from the ad-hoc mode, to the infrastructure mode, if the received data is the print data.
According to various embodiments, when the first wireless terminal transmits the print data to the access point, the second wireless terminal may receive an ad-hoc CTS frame from the first wireless terminal, and wait for a period of time defined in the ad-hoc CTS frame.
According to various embodiments, the first wireless terminal may transmit the print data to the image forming device, via the access point, by: transmitting an infrastructure RTS frame, and an ad-hoc CTS frame, to the access point; receiving an infrastructure CTS frame from the access point; transmitting an infrastructure data frame, which is the print data, to the access point; and receiving an infrastructure ACK frame from the access point.
According to various embodiments, the second wireless terminal may transmit the print data to the first wireless terminal by: transmitting an ad-hoc RTS frame, to the first wireless terminal; receiving an infrastructure CTS frame, and an ad-hoc CTS frame, from the first wireless terminal; transmitting an ad-hoc data frame, which is the print data, to the first wireless terminal; and receiving an infrastructure ACK frame, and an ad-hoc ACK frame, from the first wireless terminal.
Additional aspects and/or advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and/or other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, of which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a wireless network printing system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the wireless network printing system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an exemplary method of communication among a first wireless terminal STA_A, a second wireless terminal STA_B, and an AP, of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the first wireless terminal STA_A in FIG. 2 transmitting print data to an image forming device, through the AP, in an infrastructure mode, according to an aspect of the invention;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the second wireless terminal STA_B, when the first wireless terminal STA_A in FIG. 2 transmits the print data to the image forming device, through the AP, in the infrastructure mode, according to an aspect of the invention; and
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of the second wireless terminal STA_B of FIG. 2, transmitting print data to the first wireless terminal STA_A, in an ad-hoc mode, according to an aspect of the invention.
 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout. The exemplary embodiments are described below, in order to explain the aspects of the present invention, by referring to the figures.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a wireless network printing system 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the wireless network printing system 100 comprises a first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A), second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B), and third wireless terminal 12 (STA_D), which communicate in an ad-hoc mode, (i.e. communicate over an ad-hoc network). The respective wireless terminals 10, 11, and 12 communicate directly, i.e., not via a separate central management unit. The wireless network printing system 100 further comprises an image forming device 20, an access point (AP) 21, and a fourth wireless terminal 22 (STA_C), which communicate in an infrastructure mode, (i.e. communicate over an infrastructure network). The first wireless terminal 10 also communicates in the infrastructure mode. The AP 21 acts to connect each of the wireless terminals 10, 20, and 22 with a communication infrastructure (infrastructure network), such that each of the wireless terminals 10, 20, and 22 communicate indirectly, via the AP 21, over the infrastructure network. The AP 21 can be, for example, a wireless hotspot.
In the ad-hoc mode, no separate infrastructure (such as an AP) is required, which allows for the free mobility of each of the wireless terminals 10, 11, and 12. As a result, a user can use a corresponding wireless terminal, while freely moving the terminal within a certain ad-hoc network coverage area. However, this mobility can result in unstable link characteristics.
In the infrastructure network, the components of the infrastructure network should be in place before communication commences over the infrastructure network. However, once the infrastructure network is constructed, the access point of the infrastructure network advantageously provides a wider wireless coverage, and more stable link characteristics, than the ad-hoc network. However, as stated previously, the communication among the wireless terminals is made within only the coverage area of the AP. For this reason, the infrastructure network has a disadvantage, in that wireless terminals located beyond the AP coverage area cannot perform printing using the image forming device. In other words, there is a problem that wireless network printing can be performed in only a limited area: the AP coverage area.
Therefore, according to aspects of the present invention, a wireless node, such as the first wireless terminal 10 of FIG. 1, is provided, which can selectively switch between the infrastructure mode, and the ad-hoc mode, to relay print data. Therefore, a wireless terminal located beyond the AP coverage area can send print data to the image forming device 20.
A method of operating the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) will hereinafter be described, with reference to FIG. 2. In operation S100, an image forming device driver is installed in the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A), which then connects the first wireless terminal 10 with the image forming device 20, while in the infrastructure mode. However, it is understood that such a driver need not be used in all aspects, or can be pre-installed prior to operation S100.
In operation S101, where there is no wireless print job, the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) randomly switches between the ad-hoc mode and the infrastructure mode.
In operation S102 the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) determines whether there is an ad-hoc connection request from the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B), or the third wireless terminal 12 (STA_D), connected to an ad-hoc wireless network in the ad-hoc mode. If there is no ad-hoc connection request, the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) returns to operation S101. In operation S103, if there is an ad-hoc connection request, the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A), changes from the infrastructure mode, to the ad-hoc mode, to connect with the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B), or third wireless terminal 12 (STA_D), over the ad-hoc network formed therebetween.
In operation S104, the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) receives wireless data from the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B), or third wireless terminal 12 (STA_D). In operation S105, upon completion of the wireless data transmission, the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A), analyzes the received wireless data, to determine whether the received wireless data is print data. If the received wireless data is not print data, the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) returns to operation S104. Conversely, if the received wireless data is print data, the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) changes from the ad-hoc mode, to the infrastructure mode, in operation S106.
In operation S107, the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) transmits the print data received from the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B), or third wireless terminal 12 (STA_D), to the image forming device 20, through the AP 21. The image forming device 20 then prints the transmitted print data.
FIG. 3 illustrates the order of communication among the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A), the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B), and the AP 20, of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 illustrates a process wherein first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) of FIG. 2, transmits the print data to the image forming device 20, through the AP 20, while in the infrastructure mode.
Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 3, in operation S200, the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) contends with a wireless terminal, for example, the fourth wireless terminal 22 (STA_C), connected to the AP 21, for a channel for infrastructure communication with the AP 21.
In operation S201, the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) determines whether a wireless medium (channel) is in an idle state. If the wireless medium is not in the idle state, the first wireless terminal 109 STA_A) returns to operation S200. Conversely, if the wireless medium is in the idle state, the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) generates a random backoff, in operation S202. The random backoff initiates the transmission of a frame, after the lapse of a defined waiting time (i.e., not transmitting the frame immediately), even though the wireless medium is in the idle state.
In operation S203, the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) checks the state of the wireless medium, while gradually decrementing the random backoff. In operation S204, the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) determines whether the random backoff has been decremented to “0”, and whether the wireless medium is in the idle state. In operation S211, if neither condition is satisfied, the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) stops the random backoff, and then returns to operation S204. In operation S205, if the random backoff is “0”, and the wireless medium is in the idle state, the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) accesses a channel for communication with the AP 21. However, it is understood that operations S202, S203, S204, and S211, need not be performed in all aspects of the invention.
In operations S206 and S207, the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) transmits an infrastructure RTS frame RTS_i, and an ad-hoc CTS frame CTS_a, to the AP 21 In operation S208, the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) receives an infrastructure CTS frame CTS_i transmitted from the AP 21. In operation S209, upon receiving the infrastructure CTS frame CTS_i from the AP 21, the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) transmits an infrastructure data frame DATA_i, which is print data, to the AP 21.
In operation S210, the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) receives an ACK frame ACK_i transmitted from the AP 21. Upon receiving the ACK frame ACK_i, the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) terminates the print data transmission operation. As a result, the print data transmitted from the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) is transferred to the image forming device 20, via the AP 21. This communication procedure is carried out in the order of RTS_i+CTS_a→CTS_i→DATA_i→ACK_i, which satisfies the communication order for Request To Send (RTS) and Clear To Send (CTS) frames, as defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard.
FIG. 5 illustrates the operation of the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B), when the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) transmits the print data (data frame DATA_i) in the infrastructure mode, to the image forming device 20, through the AP 21. Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 3, in operation S300, the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) determines whether the CTS_a frame, transmitted from the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A) to the AP 21, has been received. If the CTS_a frame has not been received, the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) returns to operation S300. In operation S301, if the CTS_a frame has been received, the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) waits for a period of time indicated by the CTS_a frame. Accordingly, the second terminal 11 detects that the first terminal 10 has sent the CTS_a frame according to the method of FIG. 4 for purposes of sending print data to an image forming device 20.
FIG. 6 illustrates a process wherein the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) transmits, in the ad-hoc mode, print data (data frame DATA_i) to the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A). Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 3, in operation S400, the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) contends with the third wireless terminal 12 (STA_D), which connected to the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A), for a channel for ad-hoc network communication with the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A). While not required, operation S400 can be performed after operation S301 of FIG. 5 (i.e., after the second terminal 11 determines the first terminal 10 has sent the CTS_a frame to the AP 21 to send print data to an image forming device 20).
In operation S401, the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) determines whether a wireless medium is in an idle state. If the wireless medium is not in the idle state, the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) returns to operation S400. If the wireless medium is in the idle state, the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) generates a random backoff, in operation S402.
In operation S403, the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) checks the state of the wireless medium, while gradually decrementing the random backoff. In operation S404, the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) determines whether the random backoff has been decremented to “0”, and whether the wireless medium is in the idle state. In operation S412, if neither condition is satisfied, the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) stops the random backoff, and then returns to operation S404. If the random backoff is “0”, and the wireless medium is in the idle state, the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) accesses a channel for communication with the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A), in operation S405. However, it is understood that operations S402, S403, S404, and S412, need not be performed in all aspects of the invention.
In operation S406, the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) transmits an ad-hoc RTS frame RTS_a to the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A). In operations S407 and S408, the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) receives an infrastructure CTS frame CTS_i, and an ad-hoc CTS frame CTS_a, from the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A).
Upon receiving the infrastructure CTS frame CTS_i, and the ad-hoc CTS frame CTS_a, from the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A), the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) transmits an ad-hoc data frame DATA_a, which is print data, to the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A), in operation S409. In operations S410 and S411, after the ad-hoc data frame DATA_a is transmitted to the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A), the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) receives an infrastructure ACK frame ACK_i, and an ad-hoc ACK frame ACK_a, from the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A).
Upon receiving the infrastructure ACK frame ACK_i, and the ad-hoc ACK frame ACK_a, from the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A), the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B) terminates the print data transmission operation. As a result, the transmission of the print data (data frame DATA_a) from the second wireless terminal 11 (STA_B), to the first wireless terminal 10 (STA_A), is completed. This communication procedure is carried out in the order of RTS_a→CTS_i+CTS_a→DATA_a→ACK_i+ACK_a, which satisfies the communication order of Request To Send (RTS) and Clear To Send (CTS) frames, as defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard.
Therefore, a wireless terminal located outside of an AP coverage area can use a wireless terminal located within the coverage area of the AP 21, to relay the print data to an image forming device connected to the AP. The print data can thereby be printed using the image forming device.
While not required in all aspects, it is understood that aspects of the invention can be implemented as software and/or firmware encoded in computer readable media, to be implemented by one or more processors and/or computers. Moreover, while described in terms of print data, it is understood that aspects of the invention can be applied to other types of data beyond print data sent to an image forming apparatus.
As is apparent from the above description, according to aspects of the present invention, when a first wireless terminal affiliated with an ad-hoc network, where inter-device communication is directly performed between devices, sends print data to an image forming device affiliated with an infrastructure network, where inter-device communication is indirectly performed, via an access point. The first wireless terminal established an ad-hoc network with a wireless terminal affiliated the infrastructure network, and uses the second wireless terminal to relay the print data to the image forming device. Therefore, even a wireless terminal, located beyond the access point coverage area of the infrastructure network, can print data using an image forming device on the infrastructure network.
Although a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims (18)

What is claimed is:
1. A wireless network printing system comprising:
a first wireless terminal to selectively change between an access point communication mode, wherein communication is performed over a first network, via an access point of the first network, and a direct communication mode, wherein communication is directly performed between wireless devices, over a second network;
a second wireless terminal located outside of a coverage area of the access point, to connect with the first wireless terminal using the direct communication mode; and
an image forming device connected to the first network, using the access point communication mode,
wherein the second wireless terminal requests the first wireless terminal to change to the direct communication mode to send data to the first wireless terminal, and
upon receiving the request from the second wireless terminal, the first wireless terminal changes to the direct communication mode, and receives the data from the second wireless terminal, if the received data is print data, the first wireless terminal changes from the direct communication mode to the access point communication mode and relays the data from the second wireless terminal to the image forming device via the access point.
2. The wireless network printing system according to claim 1, wherein the direct communication mode is an ad-hoc mode and the access point communication mode is an infrastructure mode.
3. The wireless network printing system according to claim 1, wherein the first wireless terminal changes from the access point communication mode, to the direct communication mode, in response to a request to send the data from the second wireless terminal, and upon receiving the data, the first wireless terminal changes from the direct communication mode to the access point communication mode, to transmit the received data to the image forming device, via the access point.
4. The wireless network printing system according to claim 3, wherein the first wireless terminal determines whether the data received from the second wireless terminal is print data, and changes, from the direct communication mode, to the access point communication mode, if the received data is the print data.
5. The wireless network printing system according to claim 3, wherein the first wireless terminal stops communication, based on the direct communication mode, with the second wireless terminal, and then changes to the access point communication mode.
6. The wireless network printing system according to claim 3, wherein the first wireless terminal stops communication based on the access point communication mode, and then changes to the direct communication mode.
7. The wireless network printing system according to claim 1, wherein when the first wireless terminal transmits the data to the access point, the second wireless terminal receives an ad-hoc Clear To Send (CTS) frame from the first wireless terminal, and then waits for a period of time defined in the received ad-hoc CTS frame.
8. The wireless network printing system according to claim 1, wherein when the first wireless terminal transmits the data to the image forming device in the access point communication mode, via the access point, the first wireless terminal: transmits an infrastructure Request To Send (RTS) frame, and an ad-hoc CTS frame, to the access point; receives an infrastructure CTS frame from the access point; transmits an infrastructure data frame, which is print data, to the access point; and receives an infrastructure acknowledge (ACK) frame from the access point.
9. The wireless network printing system according to claim 1, wherein when the second wireless terminal transmits the data to the first wireless terminal in the direct communication mode, the second wireless controller transmits an ad-hoc RTS frame to the first wireless terminal; receives an infrastructure CTS frame and an ad-hoc CTS frame from the first wireless terminal; transmits an ad-hoc data frame, which is print data, to the first wireless terminal; and receives an infrastructure ACK frame, and an ad-hoc ACK frame, from the first wireless terminal.
10. A wireless network printing system having a first wireless terminal which selectively changes between an ad-hoc mode, wherein communication is directly performed between wireless terminals over an ad-hoc network, and an infrastructure mode where communication is performed over an infrastructure network, via an access point of the infrastructure network, the system comprising:
an image forming device connected to the infrastructure network, via the infrastructure mode; and
a second wireless terminal located outside of a coverage area of the access point, to send data to the first wireless terminal using the ad-hoc mode, and to signal the first wireless terminal to change to the infrastructure mode, to send the data to the image forming apparatus, via the access point,
wherein if the sent data is print data the first wireless terminal changes from the ad-hoc mode to the infrastructure mode upon receiving the signal and send the data to the image forming apparatus via the access point.
11. The wireless network printing system according to claim 10, wherein if the second wireless terminal receives an ad-hoc CTS frame from the first wireless terminal, the second wireless terminal waits for a period of time defined in the ad-hoc CTS frame.
12. The wireless network printing system according to claim 10, wherein when the first wireless terminal transmits the data to the image forming device, in the infrastructure mode, the first wireless terminal transmits an infrastructure RTS frame, and an ad-hoc CTS frame, to the access point; receives an infrastructure CTS frame from the access point; transmits an infrastructure data frame, which is print data, to the access point; and receives an infrastructure ACK frame from the access point.
13. The wireless network printing system according to claim 10, wherein when the second wireless terminal transmits the data to the first wireless terminal, in the ad-hoc mode, the second wireless terminal transmits an ad-hoc RTS frame to the first wireless terminal; receives an infrastructure CTS frame, and an ad-hoc CTS frame, from the first wireless terminal; transmits an ad-hoc data frame, which is print data, to the first wireless terminal; and receives an infrastructure ACK frame, and an ad-hoc ACK frame, from the first wireless terminal.
14. A wireless network printing system comprising:
an infrastructure network comprising an access point;
an image forming device connected to the access point;
a first wireless terminal to selectively connect to the infrastructure network, via the access point, and to directly connect to other wireless terminals, via an ad-hoc network; and
a second wireless terminal located outside of a coverage area of the access point, to send data directly to the first wireless terminal, via the ad-hoc network, and to request the first wireless terminal to connect to the infrastructure,
wherein if the sent data is print data, the first wireless terminal connects to the infrastructure network and sends the sent data to the image forming apparatus via the access point.
15. The wireless network printing system according to claim 14, wherein the first wireless terminal receives the print data, via the ad-hoc network, and then connects to the access point, to send the print data to the image forming device, via the infrastructure network.
16. A method of relaying print data through a first wireless terminal, to an image forming apparatus connected to an infrastructure network, comprising requesting the first wireless terminal to change to the ad-hoc mode to send data to the first wireless terminal;
connecting a second wireless terminal directly to the first wireless terminal, via an ad-hoc network;
sending data from the second wireless terminal to the first wireless terminal, via the ad-hoc network;
if the data is print data, switching the first wireless terminal from the ad-hoc mode to the infrastructure mode and sending the sent data from the first wireless terminal to an access point of the infrastructure network, and
sending the print data from the access point to the image forming apparatus, via the infrastructure network.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first wireless terminal transmits an ad-hoc Clear To Send (CTS) frame to the second wireless terminal, prior to the second terminal sending the print data and prior to the first terminal switching from the ad-hoc network.
18. A wireless terminal for use in a wireless network printing system including an infrastructure network that is accessed via an access point, and an image forming device connected to the infrastructure network, via the access point, the terminal comprising:
a receiving and transmitting unit which receives a request to switch between an ad-hoc mode and an infrastructure mode from a second wireless terminal, and data from the second wireless terminal, via an ad-hoc network;
a controller to switch to the ad-hoc mode upon receiving the request to control the receiving and transmitting unit to receive the data from the second wireless terminal, via the ad-hoc network, and to control the receiving and transmitting unit to relay the received data to the image forming device, via the infrastructure network, if the received data is print data, by switching to the infrastructure mode and send an ACK frame to the second wireless terminal, after the print data is relayed.
US12/038,899 2007-03-13 2008-02-28 Wireless network printing system and method configured for selectively changing between an access point communication mode and a direct communication mode Expired - Fee Related US8687217B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR2007-24728 2007-03-13
KR1020070024728A KR101085905B1 (en) 2007-03-13 2007-03-13 Wireless network printing system
KR10-2007-0024728 2007-03-13

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20080225331A1 US20080225331A1 (en) 2008-09-18
US8687217B2 true US8687217B2 (en) 2014-04-01

Family

ID=39762358

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/038,899 Expired - Fee Related US8687217B2 (en) 2007-03-13 2008-02-28 Wireless network printing system and method configured for selectively changing between an access point communication mode and a direct communication mode

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US8687217B2 (en)
KR (1) KR101085905B1 (en)
CN (1) CN101267370B (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140169219A1 (en) * 2011-06-14 2014-06-19 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Wireless communication device capable of operating selectively in any state among a plurality of states including a parent state and a child state in a wireless network
US20150009532A1 (en) * 2013-07-03 2015-01-08 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Terminal device and control of terminal device
US20160381277A1 (en) * 2015-06-23 2016-12-29 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and image forming system
WO2019209438A1 (en) * 2018-04-27 2019-10-31 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Switching operating state of wireless local area network module

Families Citing this family (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP5396863B2 (en) * 2009-01-07 2014-01-22 ヤマハ株式会社 Wireless network system
KR101023529B1 (en) * 2010-06-28 2011-03-21 삼성탈레스 주식회사 Method for switching between infra structrue network and ad-hoc network
JP5104921B2 (en) * 2010-07-26 2012-12-19 ブラザー工業株式会社 Communication control program and communication device
JP5170183B2 (en) 2010-07-29 2013-03-27 ブラザー工業株式会社 Communication control program and communication device
JP5839650B2 (en) * 2010-11-19 2016-01-06 ブラザー工業株式会社 Printing device and terminal device
EP2605607B1 (en) 2011-12-12 2018-11-07 HP Printing Korea Co., Ltd. Image forming apparatus supporting peer-to-peer connection and method of managing channel thereof
CN104756529A (en) * 2012-10-16 2015-07-01 日本电气株式会社 Content delivery method
JP6107261B2 (en) * 2013-03-15 2017-04-05 ブラザー工業株式会社 Relay device, image processing device, and communication system
JP6398345B2 (en) * 2014-06-10 2018-10-03 富士ゼロックス株式会社 Printing apparatus and program
JP6611572B2 (en) * 2015-11-28 2019-11-27 キヤノン株式会社 COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM
JP6682862B2 (en) * 2016-01-13 2020-04-15 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Wireless communication terminal, wireless communication system, and wireless communication program
JP6184580B1 (en) * 2016-01-29 2017-08-23 キヤノン株式会社 Information processing apparatus, control method, and program
CN109862515A (en) * 2019-01-24 2019-06-07 南京泛在地理信息产业研究院有限公司 Terminal based on geographical location connects control device and method

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20030069447A (en) 2002-02-20 2003-08-27 삼성전자주식회사 Wireless LAN card having function of access point and network Printer having the same and Method for transmitting data using the printer
US20030236064A1 (en) * 2002-02-12 2003-12-25 Seiko Epson Corporation Wireless communication device
US20050276253A1 (en) * 2004-06-14 2005-12-15 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method and system for transmitting image data in ad-hoc mode of a wireless communication network
KR20060033260A (en) 2004-10-14 2006-04-19 삼성전자주식회사 The printing method through changing the transmission mode on the networking error
US20060128382A1 (en) * 2004-12-11 2006-06-15 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method of performing network scanning and apparatus using the method
KR20060088251A (en) 2005-02-01 2006-08-04 삼성전자주식회사 Gateway for connecting ad-hoc network and infra-structure network, method for registering service provider, and, method for searcing service provider thereof
US20070081508A1 (en) * 2005-04-21 2007-04-12 Microsoft Corporation Physical location verification
US20080261640A1 (en) * 2004-04-14 2008-10-23 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Communication Control Method and Wireless Communication Apparatus

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7016062B2 (en) * 2000-11-30 2006-03-21 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Apparatus, method and system for printing from a wireless mobile device over the internet
JP4125173B2 (en) * 2003-04-23 2008-07-30 キヤノン株式会社 Information processing apparatus connection control method, information processing apparatus, and computer program
CN100342321C (en) * 2005-06-14 2007-10-10 迈普（四川）通信技术有限公司 Network printing system and method

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030236064A1 (en) * 2002-02-12 2003-12-25 Seiko Epson Corporation Wireless communication device
KR20030069447A (en) 2002-02-20 2003-08-27 삼성전자주식회사 Wireless LAN card having function of access point and network Printer having the same and Method for transmitting data using the printer
US20080261640A1 (en) * 2004-04-14 2008-10-23 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Communication Control Method and Wireless Communication Apparatus
US20050276253A1 (en) * 2004-06-14 2005-12-15 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method and system for transmitting image data in ad-hoc mode of a wireless communication network
KR20060033260A (en) 2004-10-14 2006-04-19 삼성전자주식회사 The printing method through changing the transmission mode on the networking error
US20060128382A1 (en) * 2004-12-11 2006-06-15 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method of performing network scanning and apparatus using the method
KR20060088251A (en) 2005-02-01 2006-08-04 삼성전자주식회사 Gateway for connecting ad-hoc network and infra-structure network, method for registering service provider, and, method for searcing service provider thereof
US20070081508A1 (en) * 2005-04-21 2007-04-12 Microsoft Corporation Physical location verification

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Office Action, mailed Apr. 4, 2011, in corresponding Korean Application No. 10-2007-0024728 (4 pp.).

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140169219A1 (en) * 2011-06-14 2014-06-19 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Wireless communication device capable of operating selectively in any state among a plurality of states including a parent state and a child state in a wireless network
US20150009532A1 (en) * 2013-07-03 2015-01-08 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Terminal device and control of terminal device
US9134943B2 (en) * 2013-07-03 2015-09-15 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Terminal device and control of setting selection images of terminal device
US20160381277A1 (en) * 2015-06-23 2016-12-29 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and image forming system
US9813606B2 (en) * 2015-06-23 2017-11-07 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and image forming system
WO2019209438A1 (en) * 2018-04-27 2019-10-31 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Switching operating state of wireless local area network module

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN101267370A (en) 2008-09-17
KR101085905B1 (en) 2011-11-23
KR20080083904A (en) 2008-09-19
CN101267370B (en) 2011-09-14
US20080225331A1 (en) 2008-09-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8687217B2 (en) Wireless network printing system and method configured for selectively changing between an access point communication mode and a direct communication mode
US6556582B1 (en) Systems and methods for collision avoidance in mobile multi-hop packet radio networks
KR100972476B1 (en) Detecting a hidden node in a wireless local area network
US7088691B2 (en) Communications equipment that carries out communication within network having plural pieces of communications equipment
RU2456755C2 (en) CONTROL OF ASSOCIATIONS IN ad hoc NETWORKS
JP4840043B2 (en) Wireless communication system and wireless communication apparatus
CN102783245B (en) Communication apparatus, communication control method
EP2127236B1 (en) Personal area network implementation within an infrastructure network
US20060221924A1 (en) Mobile communications terminal for transmitting data frames in wireless lan and method thereof
US20100054168A1 (en) Wireless communication method, access point, wireless communication station and wireless communication system
US9155117B2 (en) Directly transferring data between devices
JPH07303105A (en) Radio lan medium access method
JP5213862B2 (en) Wireless network
JP2007082071A (en) Wireless communication apparatus and system
US8750273B1 (en) Tunneled direct link setup optimization
US11330500B2 (en) Non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing computer-readable instructions for communication device, communication device, and method executed by communication device
TWI416903B (en) Method and apparatus for communicating over multiple networks
JP2009525000A (en) Send notification instructions
US20050013325A1 (en) Method for transmitting multimedia data in wireless network
KR100643477B1 (en) Method for acquiring channel-use-time for the purpose of transmitting backward data
KR20080099602A (en) Transmission protection method for wireless network
JP2002217913A (en) Wireless lan system
JP2004048356A (en) Access point arbitrator and data communication system employing the same
JP2002287917A (en) Printing system
US20230239798A1 (en) Restricted twt service period extension mechanism

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., KOREA, REPUBLIC OF

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:JUNG, SOO YOUNG;REEL/FRAME:020616/0407

Effective date: 20080222

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

CC Certificate of correction
AS Assignment

Owner name: S-PRINTING SOLUTION CO., LTD., KOREA, REPUBLIC OF

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD;REEL/FRAME:041852/0125

Effective date: 20161104

MAFP Maintenance fee payment

Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1551)

Year of fee payment: 4

AS Assignment

Owner name: HP PRINTING KOREA CO., LTD., KOREA, REPUBLIC OF

Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:S-PRINTING SOLUTION CO., LTD.;REEL/FRAME:047370/0405

Effective date: 20180316

AS Assignment

Owner name: HP PRINTING KOREA CO., LTD., KOREA, REPUBLIC OF

Free format text: CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE DOCUMENTATION EVIDENCING THE CHANGE OF NAME PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 047370 FRAME 0405. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:S-PRINTING SOLUTION CO., LTD.;REEL/FRAME:047769/0001

Effective date: 20180316

AS Assignment

Owner name: HP PRINTING KOREA CO., LTD., KOREA, REPUBLIC OF

Free format text: CHANGE OF LEGAL ENTITY EFFECTIVE AUG. 31, 2018;ASSIGNOR:HP PRINTING KOREA CO., LTD.;REEL/FRAME:050938/0139

Effective date: 20190611

AS Assignment

Owner name: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P., TEXAS

Free format text: CONFIRMATORY ASSIGNMENT EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 1, 2018;ASSIGNOR:HP PRINTING KOREA CO., LTD.;REEL/FRAME:050747/0080

Effective date: 20190826

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: MAINTENANCE FEE REMINDER MAILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: REM.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED FOR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE FEES (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: EXP.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20220401